Device for file storage

ABSTRACT

A file storage device, including a base member, and a plurality of dividing members detachably attached to the base member in a substantially parallel configuration, adjacent dividing members defining storage areas therebetween. The storage areas have widths, so that removal or addition of at least one dividing member allows for variation of the storage area widths.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to devices for storing files and isparticularly useful for storing files which have various widths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Previously, there have been file storage devices of the type that areused on shelves or in drawers for storing files in an upright manner.Such storage devices comprise upright rigid members, which are fixed inposition. Files may be stored in between the fixed upright members,which provides a way of storing files more efficiently.

One example of a previous file storage device is formed of plasticcoated stiff wire, where upright stiff wire members of the device areconnected to a stiff wire base. The upright stiff wire members may bewelded, or otherwise permanently fixed, to the stiff wire base. Aplurality of parallel disposed upright wire members form fixed spacestherebetween in which a file or multiple files may be stored.

A disadvantage with this type of file storage device is that the storageareas defined between the parallel upright stiff wire members are offixed widths. This leads to a problem where it is desired to store afile which is wider than the fixed widths defined between the uprightstiff wire members.

Another disadvantage of the previous file storage device is that, withthe upright members being fixed in an upright position, the device isbulky and difficult to pack and store for transportation. Furthermore,the bulky nature of the previous file storage device results in a needfor large packaging to contain the device for sale or transportation.Larger packaging may be more inconvenient and expensive to manufacture.Furthermore, larger packaging may consume more material in itsmanufacture, which may be considered as unsound practice in respect ofthe environment.

Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a file storage devicewhich overcomes or substantially ameliorates at least one problem ofprevious file storage devices.

Furthermore, it would be an advantage to provide a file storage devicewhich provides storage of files of various widths, including providingstorage for files of large widths that may not be able to be stored inprevious file storage device having fixed width storage.

Yet a further advantage would be to provide a file storage device whichcan be more easily packaged and stored. It would also be advantageous toprovide a file storage device which is cheaper and more convenient topackage for sale and/or transportation.

There would also be an advantage in being able to provide a file storagedevice which is cheap to manufacture with regard to materials, toolingand labor costs. Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a filestorage device with as few parts as possible while providing at leastone of the previously mentioned advantages.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that theprior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention attempts to overcome at least one of the problemsof the prior art by providing a file storage device, including a basemember, a plurality of dividing members detachably attached to the basemember in a substantially parallel configuration, adjacent dividingmembers defining storage areas therebetween, the storage areas havingpreselected widths, wherein removal or addition of at least one dividingmember allows for variation of said preselected widths.

Further benefits and advantages with respect to the present inventionbecome apparent in the following description of alternative embodimentsof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described which should not beconsidered as limiting any of the statements in the previous section.The embodiment will be described with reference to the following figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage deviceshowing dividing members in operating positions;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a detail of FIG. 1, showing dividingmembers detachably attached to the base;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrating the dividing membersbeing in folded down positions;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view from FIG. 3 illustrating the dividing membersbeing detachably attached to the base member when in folded downpositions;

FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an end view of FIG. 1 illustrating a dividing member in anoperating position;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of FIG. 1 where the dividing members are inoperating positions;

FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 3 where the dividing members are inoperating positions;

FIG. 9 is a similar view to FIG. 8 showing a configuration of the filestorage device wherein some dividing members have been removed thusallowing variation of widths of the storage areas for storing the files;

FIG. 10 (including FIG. 10 a, FIG. 10 b, FIG. 10 c, FIG. 10 d and FIG.10 e) shows a series of pairs of views in an operation to rotate adividing member into an operating position. Each pair of views includesa perspective view, shown on the left hand side of FIG. 10, and an endview, shown on the right hand side of FIG. 10; and,

FIG. 11 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a dividing memberillustrated being operated by hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of the file storage device 100 with abase member 2 and a plurality of dividing members 4 in a substantiallyparallel configuration. In this embodiment there are twelve (12)dividing members illustrated, each being detachably attached to the basemember 2 of the file storage device 100. The dividing members 4 areshown in operating positions, where each of the dividing members 4 issubstantially upright with respect to the base member 2.

Adjacent dividing members 4 define storage areas 1 therebetween. Each ofthe storage areas 1 is of a preselected width which is suitable forstoring a range of files of varying widths. FIG. 1 illustrates anembodiment in which a storage area between adjacent dividing members 4 aand 4 b is of width A. The centre-most storage area 1 a between adjacentdiving members 4 f and 4 g is of width B, being wider than width A.

Each dividing member 4 includes two dividing member engagement sections6, one disposed at each side of the diving member 4.

Also shown in FIG. 1 the base member 2 includes two side rails 3. Eachside rail 3 includes an upper panel 11; an inwardly facing side panel 9,which is facing towards the centre of the file storage device 100relative to the side rail 3; and an outwardly facing side panel 15. Eachside rail 3 includes a plurality of base member engagement sections 13disposed along the inwardly facing side panels 9.

A dividing member 4 is detachably attached to the base member 2 byengaging each of the dividing member engagement sections 6, disposed ateach side of the dividing member 4, with corresponding base memberengagement sections 13. The corresponding base member engagementsections 13 are oppositely facing with respect to the centre of the filestorage device 100.

In the illustrated embodiments, the base member engagement sections 13for each of the dividing member engagement sections 6 of a givendividing member 4 are disposed to be oppositely facing each other.However, it is envisaged that, for example, the base member engagementsections 13 could be disposed on the outwardly facing side panels 15 ofthe side rails 3, with the dividing member engagement sections 6disposed so as to slot into the outwardly facing base member engagementsections 13.

In a further alternative embodiment, each of the outwardly facing sidepanels 15 may be configured so as to minimize a risk for damaging asurface on which the file storage device 100 is placed.

In one optional configuration, a portion of each of the outwardly facingside panels 15 is bent along the length of the outwardly facing sidepanel, so as to form an outwardly facing substantially right-angledprotrusion. In this configuration, the edge of the outwardly facing sidepanel 15 is directed parallel to the surface, thereby minimizing risk ofdamage to the surface.

In another optional configuration, a portion of each of the outwardlyfacing side panels 15 is bent along the length of the outwardly facingside panel, so as to be substantially “doubled over”. In thisconfiguration the edge of the outwardly facing side panel 15 is directedaway from the surface, thereby minimizing risk of damage to the surface.

In another alternative embodiment, each of the outwardly facing sidepanels 15 may include a plastic protection strip. This strip may have aU-shaped cross-section and may be configured to fit snugly to the edgeof each of the outwardly facing side panels 15. In this embodiment, theplastic strip will be in contact with the surface on which the filestorage device 100 is placed, rather than the edges of the outwardlyfacing side panels 15.

A plurality of cut out holes 7 are illustrated in the base member 2 ofthe files storage device 100 in FIG. 1. The cut out holes 7 may providea pleasing appearance to the file storage device 100, but may also beuseful for reducing the weight of the device. Also using cut out holes 7may reduce the overall amount of material needed to construct the filestorage device and could, if appropriately configured, provide handlesfor transporting the storage device.

A further advantage of the cut out holes 7 is that they may be usedwhere it is desired to affix the file storage device 100 to a surface,for example, with hooks, or the like, which may attach through the cutout holes 7.

In this embodiment the dividing members are formed from a stiff, butflexible, metal wire-like material, although it is envisaged that thedividing members may be made from other materials. Furthermore, wherethe dividing member is formed from a wire-like material, it may beformed into different shapes from the example shape shown in FIG. 1.

It has been found that, by forming the dividing members 4 from a stiff,but flexible, metal wire-like material and forming the base member 2from a metal plate material, the file storage device has a robustnature. This provides an advantage over alternative embodiments andother types of files storage device, which may use less robust materialsfor the dividing members and the base member, as the file storage deviceshould have a longer operating life.

In a further optional embodiment, the wire-like dividing members 4 mayinclude a plastic coating on at least a portion of each dividing member,which may afford some protection to files in the file storage device100.

Alternatively, a dividing member may include a panel and engagementsections for detachably attaching the dividing member to the basemember. It is envisaged that the dividing members may be formed from anymaterial and in any shape such that they are able to store files inaccordance with the invention.

In an example use of this embodiment of the file storage device 100,dividing member 4 b has been fully disengaged from the base member 2 andis thus detached and removed, which allows for a variation inpreselected widths and results in a wider storage area of width Cbetween remaining adjacent dividing members 4 a and 4 c.

In another example operation of this embodiment of the file storagedevice 100, dividing members 4 b, 4 c, 4 d and 4 e may be detached fromthe base member 2 by being fully disengaged and removed. Adjacent divingmembers, in this example, are 4 a and 4 f, which define a storage area 1of selected width D. If a dividing member 4 is detachably attached bybeing fully engaged with the base member 2 in the position illustratedby dividing member 4 c, the storage area having selected width D is nowdivided into two storage areas having selected widths C and E. Whendiving member 4 c is in this position, now-adjacent dividing members 4 aand 4 c define a storage area 1 of selected width C, and now-adjacentdividing members 4 c and 4 f define a storage area 1 of selected widthE.

The storage areas 1 may have a range of various preselected widths, whenthe file storage device 100 is fully assembled with all detachablyattached dividing members 4 fully engaged with the base member 2 of thefile storage device 100.

In an example use, the file storage device 100 may store files, such asmanila folder type files. A manila folder is placed in the files storagedevice 100 in a chosen storage area 1 with its spine facing in adownward direction. Two sections of the spine of the folder aresupported by an upper panel 11 of each of the side rails 3.

Additional manila folders may be stored in the same storage area 1, or,if the storage area 1 is full, the additional manila folders may bestored in another chosen storage area 1. Further, and in accordance withthe invention, if a storage area 1 is full and the user wishes to storemore manila folders in a same storage area 1, the user may remove one ormore of the dividing members 4 in order to create a larger storage area1 for the folders.

Other types of files and folders, for example, ring binder type files,may be stored in the file storage device 100. A ring binder type filemay be placed in the file storage device 100 resting on its spine.Alternatively, it may be desired to store a ring binder type file in thefile storage device 100 in an upright position. In this way, if the filestorage device is being used on a shelf, then it is possible to readilyview the spine of the ring binder type file while it is being stored inthe device 100. This may be desirable where a spine of a ring bindertype folder has identification markings.

It should be understood that, when files are stored in the file storagedevice 100, parts of the file may rest on both, one or neither of theside rails 3.

Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is an optional centre rail 5 for supportingfiles, which are stored in the file storage device. The centre rail 5may support a central section of a file, which is placed in a storagearea 1 between adjacent dividing members 4. The centre rail 5 maysubstantially ameliorate the problem of a file sagging when stored inthe file storage device 100, where outer sections of the file aresupported by the upper panels 11 of each of the side rails 3.

Additionally, providing a centre rail 5 may increase the strength and/orrigidity of the base member 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detail of the file storage device 100, showing acorner of the base member 2 and a part of each of three dividing members4. Each dividing member 4 is shown with one dividing member engagementsection 6 disposed on a side of the dividing member 4. One dividingmember 4 is shown detached from the base member 2, while two (2) otherdividing members 4 are shown detachably attached to the base member 2.

The side rail 3 includes an inwardly facing side panel 9, along whichare disposed three (3) base member engagement sections 13. The basemember engagement sections 13 are shown, in this embodiment, includingan elongate engagement slot 8 and a round engagement aperture 10adjacent the elongate engagement slot 8. The round engagement apertures10 are of substantially circular shape.

As can be readily seen on the dividing member 4, which has beenillustrated detached from the base member 2, a substantially “N”-shapeddividing member engagement section 6 is disposed on the side of thedividing member 4. The “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section 6includes a bent engagement protrusion 14 and a straight engagementprotrusion 12.

A dividing member 4 is detachably attached to the base member 2 in afull engagement operation as follows. A bent engagement protrusion 14slots into a first elongate engagement slot 8. In this embodiment, andsubstantially simultaneously, a straight engagement protrusion 12 slotsinto a first round engagement aperture 10.

The engagement operation also occurs at the other side of the dividingmember 4 where a bent engagement protrusion 14, at that other side ofthe dividing member 4, slots into an elongate engagement slot 8, whichis oppositely facing the first elongate slot 8 and a straight engagementprotrusion 12, also at that other side of the dividing member 4, slotsinto a round engagement aperture 10, which is oppositely facing thefirst round engagement aperture 10.

It should be noted that providing a substantially “N”-shaped dividingmember engagement section 6 with a straight engagement protrusion 12 isan optional feature. Also, it is optional to provide a base memberengagement section 13 with a round engagement aperture 10.

A dividing member 4 may be suitably detachably attached to the basemember 2 providing, on each side of the dividing member 4, a dividingmember engagement section 6 including only a bent engagement protrusion14, which slots into a base member engagement section 13 including anelongate engagement slot 8. In such an embodiment, the dividing memberengagement section 6 may be formed in a substantially “V”-shapedconfiguration.

As can be readily seen, and as shown in other figures, providing roundengagement apertures 10 and straight engagement protrusions 12 enables asubstantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section 6 to bepartially detached from the base member engagement section 13, thusallowing the dividing member 4 to be folded down to a position which issubstantially parallel to the base member 2.

It will be further understood that dividing member attachment sections 6and base member engagement sections 13 may have a variety of shapes andconfigurations, which are in accordance with the invention so as toprovide a means of detachably attaching a dividing member 4 byengagement with the base member 2. For example, an elongate slot may beformed in the dividing member engagement sections 6, with acorresponding bent engagement protrusion formed in the base memberengagement sections 13.

In this embodiment the dividing member engagement section 6 is offsetfrom the plane of the dividing member 4. The offset placement of thedividing member engagement section 6 provides a more robust resistanceto a rotational force or other force against the dividing member 6. Therotational force or other force may be produced by files adjacent thedividing member 6 when the file storage device 100 is being used.

A dividing member 4 may be disengaged from the base member 2 by slidingthe bent engagement protrusion 14 and the straight engagement protrusion12, respectively, out from a corresponding elongate engagement slot 8and a corresponding round engagement aperture 10. Of course, thisoperation should occur at both sides of the dividing member 4 for thedividing member 4 to become fully disengaged from the base member 2.

It should also be appreciated that the dividing members 4 require someflexibility in order to be detachably attached to the base member 2, orto be partially disengaged from the base member 2.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the file storage device 100, wherein eachof the dividing members has been folded down from an operating positionto a folded down position which is substantially flat with respect tothe base member 2. In this embodiment, each of the substantially“N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections 6, disposed on eitherside of a dividing member 4, is partially disengaged from a base memberengagement section 13 of the base member 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view FIG. 3 showing a corner of the filestorage device 100.

A folding down operation may occur as follows. On either side of adividing member 4, an “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections 6is partially disengaged from a base member engagement section 13 when abent engagement protrusion 14 is removed from an elongate engagementslot 8, but a straight engagement protrusion 12 remains slotted into around engagement aperture 10. This partial disengagement enables thedividing member to be rotated around an axis formed by straightengagement protrusions 12 on either side of a dividing member 4, so thatthe dividing member 4 may fold down to a folded down position.

It should be noted that the straight engagement protrusion 12 protrudesfurther than the bent engagement protrusion 14. This further protrusionallows the straight engagement protrusion 12 to remain slotted into around engagement aperture 10 while the adjacent bent engagementprotrusion 14 is disengaged from the adjacent elongate engagement slot8, such that the dividing member 4 is partially disengaged from the basemember 2 and the dividing member can rotate about the axis formed bystraight engagement protrusions 12 on either side of a dividing member4.

A folding up operation is substantially similar to a folding downoperation in reverse. The folding up operation may occur by rotating thedividing member 4, around the axis formed by the straight engagementprotrusions 12, to an operating position which is substantially uprightwith respect to the base member 2 wherein, on either side of thedividing member 4, a bent engagement protrusion 14 is slotted in to anelongate engagement slot 8.

It will be appreciated that, in the embodiments shown, the dividingmembers 4 are formed from stiff, but flexible, metal wire-like materialand are formed in one piece. The one piece dividing members 4 havesubstantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections 6. It hasbeen found that providing a dividing member 4 formed of a stiff butflexible material, such as metal wire-like material, along with“N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections 6 disposed on either sideof the dividing member 4, allows for easy partial disengagement of thedividing member from the base member 2, when it is desired to fold downthe dividing member 4 into a folded down position.

FIG. 5 shows the file storage device 100 with the dividing members 4 infolded down positions such that the dividing members 4 are substantiallyflat with respect to the base member 2. This may provide an advantagefor storing and packaging of the file storage device especially fortransport and display of the storage device for sale.

It should be noted that in FIG. 5 at least some of the dividing members4 are shown as being slightly angled in an upward direction while in afolded down position, which is substantially flat with respect to thebase member 2. When packaging the file storage device 100, the slightlyupwardly angled dividing members 4 may be further compressed, due to theflexibility of the material from which the dividing members 4 areformed. This should allow the file storage device 100 to be packed in aflatter configuration and in a smaller volume box.

FIG. 6 shows an end view of the file storage device 100 with dividingmembers 4 in operating positions and in which dividing member engagementsections 6 are disposed on either side of an end most shown dividingmember 4. The dividing member engagement sections 6 are slotted intobase member engagement sections 13, the base member engagement sectionsare oppositely facing each other and disposed in the inwardly facingside panels 9 of the side rails 3 on either side of the base member 2.

Also shown in FIG. 6, the dividing member 4 includes an approximatelyright-angled bend 19 and another approximately right-angled bend 17 ateach side of the dividing member 4. Bends 17 and 19 produce an uppersection 18 of the dividing member 4, along with shoulder sections 21 oneither side of the dividing member 4.

Further, FIG. 6 shows slightly inwardly sloping straight sections 30 oneither side of the dividing member 4, disposed between approximatelyright-angled bend 19 and approximately right-angled bend 22. Straightsections 30 join with the dividing member engagement sections 6 on eachside of the dividing member 4.

Providing a dividing member with such a “stepped” configuration,including an upper section 18, may produce a dividing member with agreater resistance to a force produced by a file, or a number of files,resting against the dividing member 4.

Furthermore, providing a narrowed upper section 18 for the dividingmember 4 may allow for easier manual operation of the dividing member 4when fully engaging the dividing member 4 with the base member 2 in anengaging operation so that the dividing member 4 is detachably attachedto the base member 2; when fully disengaging a dividing member 4 fromthe base member 2 in a disengagement operation so that the dividingmember 4 is detached from the base member 2 for removal; when operatingthe file storage device 100 to fold down the dividing member 4 into afolded down position; and, when folding up the dividing member 4 to anoperating position which is substantially upright with respect to thebase member 2.

A top section 20 is provided on the dividing member 4, which may bealternatively used as a handle section when operating the dividingmember 4.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the file storage device 100 with dividingmembers 4 in an upright position. Also shown is a cut-away view of theside rails 3. The dividing member engagement sections 6 can be morereadily seen slotted in to the base member engagement sections 13.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the file storage device 100. The storageareas 1 and 1 a are shown, respectively, with preselected widths A andB.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the file storage device 100 in use storing aplurality of files 16 of varying widths. In this configuration, selecteddividing members have been removed from the base member 2 to providestorage areas of preselected widths 1. Storage area 1 b has apreselected width F and is storing a wide file 16 a. Storage area 1 chas a preselected width G and is storing two (2) wide files 16 b.Storage area 1 d has a preselected width H and is storing a plurality offiles 16 c of varying widths. Storage area 1 e has a preselected width Iand is storing a plurality of thinner files 16 d with similar widths.Storage area 1 f has a preselected width J and is storing two (2) thinfiles 16 e of different widths.

The series of FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d and 10 e, each include a pairof views, being a perspective view (left hand side) and an end view(right hand side). The FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d and 10 e illustratedetails of a folding up operation. The views show the relative positionof the dividing member engagement section 6 with respect to the basemember engagement section 13 in the side rail 3 of the base member 2.Further, the pair of views in FIG. 10 show a series of positions of thedividing member 4 in relation to the base member 2 when the dividingmember 4, which is initially partially engaged with the base member 2,is being rotated around an axis formed by straight engagementprotrusions 12 on either side of the dividing member 4, so that thedividing member 4 may be placed in an operating position and fullyengaged with the base member 2.

FIG. 10 a shows a of a dividing member 4, which is partially engagedwith the base member 2. FIG. 10 a illustrates a dividing member 4 in afolded down position so that it is in a substantially flat position.

Referring to FIG. 10 a, each dividing member engagement section 6includes a rotatable straight engagement protrusion 12 and a bentengagement protrusion 14. The bent engagement protrusion 14 is formedfrom straight sections 23 and 24 which are connected at bend 28.Straight sections 23 and 24 are disposed relative to each other at anangle 27.

The straight engagement protrusion 12 is joined to the bent engagementprotrusion 14 via bent section 25. Bent section 25 is formed betweenstraight section 24 and straight engagement protrusion 12. Straightsection 24 and straight engagement protrusion 12 form an angle 26relative to each other.

As can be further seen in FIG. 10 a the dividing member engagementsection 6 is partially engaged with the base member engagement section13, wherein the straight engagement protrusion 12 is slotted into roundengagement aperture 10 and the bent engagement protrusion 14 is notslotted into the elongate engagement slot 8. With the dividing member 4folded down to a substantially flat position, the straight section 24 ispositioned above the upper panel 11 of the side rail 3. In thisposition, straight section 24 does not touch the edge 29 of the siderail 3, which is formed between the upper panel 11 and the inwardlyfacing side panel 9 of the side rail 3.

Referring to FIG. 10 b, a second position is shown during the folding upoperation wherein the dividing member 4 is rotated further towards anoperating position.

In FIG. 10 b, straight section 24 comes into contact with the edge 29 ofthe side rail 3. The angle 26 formed at bent section 25 provides thatthe point of contact between straight section 24 and edge 29, is offsetfrom the axis formed by straight engagement protrusions 12 on eitherside of the dividing member 4. The preselected angle 26 and offsetproduce a flexing of the dividing member 4 when the dividing member 4 isrotated towards an operating position and the straight section 24 isfurther forced against the edge 29. Furthermore, along with the flexing,the dividing member engagement section 6 moves inwardly towards thecentre of the file storage device 100, with respect to the side rail 3.

Along with the inward movement of the dividing member engagement section6, the straight engagement protrusion 12 slides through the roundengagement aperture 10, such that the straight engagement protrusion 12also moves inwardly towards the centre of the file storage device 100,with respect to the side rail 3.

However, as can be seen in the series of FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 dand 10 e, the straight engagement protrusion 12 does not becomedisengaged from the round engagement aperture 10 during the engagementoperation wherein the dividing member 4 is rotated to an uprightposition and the bent engagement section 14 becomes engaged with theelongate engagement slot 8.

Further relative placement of the dividing member 4 with respect to thebase member 2 is shown in FIG. 10 c. The dividing member is rotated tobe further towards an operating position than shown in FIG. 10 b. Atthis point in the folding up operation, the dividing member 4 is furtherflexed such that dividing member engagement section 6 moves inwardly andsuch that bent section 28 comes into contact with an upper part of theinwardly facing side panel 9 of the side rail 3, which is at or near theedge 29 of the side rail 3.

As can also be seen in FIG. 10 c, perhaps better illustrated in the endview (on the right hand side of FIG. 10 c), the straight engagementprotrusion 12 has moved further inwardly when compared with the positionshown in the end view of FIG. 10 b (right hand side of the FIG. 10 b).

FIG. 10 d includes a perspective view (left hand side) and an end view(right hand side) of yet another stage in the folding up operation torotate the dividing member 4 to an operating position. In these viewsbent section 28 of the bent engagement protrusion 14 is in contact withthe inwardly facing side panel 9 of the side rail 3. At this stage ofthe folding up operation the dividing member 4 is almost in an operatingposition, being that it is almost fully upright.

In FIG. 10 d the position of the dividing member 4 in relation to thebase member 2 provides that dividing member engagement section 6, alongwith the straight engagement protrusion 12, positioned inwardly of theside rail 3 due to the inward flexing of a portion of the dividingmember 4. The inward flexing of the dividing member 4, which isresiliently flexible, also produces a bias of the bent engagementprotrusion 14 against the inwardly facing side panel 9. There is,therefore, an outwardly directed force at the point where the bentsection 28 contacts the inwardly facing side panel 9.

FIG. 10 e includes perspective and end views of the dividing member 4fully engaged with the base member 2. The dividing member 4 has beenrotated around the axis formed by the oppositely facing straightengagement protrusions 10 and when the dividing member 4 is sufficientlyupright such that the bent section 28 is positioned over the elongateengagement slot 8, the bent engagement protrusion 14 slides into theelongate engagement slot 8.

The bent engagement protrusion 14 should slide into (and “lock” into)the elongate engagement slot 8 due to the outwardly directed forceproduced by the inward flexing of a portion of the dividing member 4.Sometimes, however, the force may not be sufficient and the bentengagement protrusion may require manual assistance to be positionedinto (and “locked” into) the elongate engagement slot 8.

It should be noted that angles 26 and 27, located respectively at bentsections 25 and 28 of the dividing member engagement section 6, do notsubstantially change in size during the folding up operation to rotatethe dividing member 4 towards an operating position. Similarly, angles26 and 27 do not substantially change in a folding down operationwhereby the dividing member 4 is folded down to a substantially flatposition with respect to the base member 2.

It should also be noted that the configuration and sizing of thepreselected angles 26 and 27 contributes to the ease of operating thedividing members 4 to selectively either partially or fully engage withor to selectively either partially or fully disengage from the basemember 2. Particularly, the choice of angles 26 and 27, configuration ofthe base member engagement section 13 and configuration of the dividingmember engagement section 6 provides for easier folding up operationwhen rotating the dividing members 4 from a substantially flat positioninto an operating position, thereby moving them from being partiallyengaged with the base member 2, to being fully engaged with the basemember. In one embodiment angles 26 and 27 are both approximately 45°.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a dividing member 4 includingindentations 31, which are disposed on either side in an upper portionof the dividing member 4. The indentations 31 may be useful for easiermanual operation and can be gripped on one side with an index finger 32and the other side with a thumb 33, as shown in FIG. 11. The thumb 33and index finger 32 may be moved towards each other, resulting in aninward flexing of the dividing member 4. This may, in turn, assist withselectively either partially or fully engaging (or to selectively eitherpartially or fully disengaging) the dividing member 4 with (or from) thebase member 2. The indentations 31 may also be useful for an easiergripping of the dividing member 4.

The file storage device 100 may be used for storing files 16 ofdiffering sizes, as described. However, it will be appreciated that thefile storage device 100 may also be used for storing a range ofdifferent articles. Further, the file storage device may be formed indifferent sizes to be used for storing objects substantially larger orsubstantially smaller than files.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the file storage device 100 maybe manufactured more simply, for example, in embodiments where thedividing members 4 are formed from one piece of material, such as stiff,but flexible metal wire and the base member 2 is formed from one pieceof sheet metal. In such an embodiment, the tooling for manufacture ofthe file storage device can be simpler and thus manufacture may be lessexpensive.

The invention is susceptible to variations, modifications and/oradditions other than those specifically described, and it is to beunderstood that the invention includes all such variations,modifications and/or additions, which fall within the scope of thefollowing claims.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not theexclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

1. A file storage device, including: a base member; and a plurality ofdividing members detachably attached to the base member in asubstantially parallel configuration, adjacent dividing members definingstorage areas therebetween, each storage area having a width, whereinremoval or addition of at least one dividing member allows for variationof the width.
 2. A file storage device according to claim 1, whereineach dividing member is adapted to be moved from an operating position,which is substantially upright with respect to the base member, to aposition which is substantially flat with respect to the base member,and wherein each dividing member is adapted to be moved from thesubstantially flat position to the operating position.
 3. A file storagedevice according to claim 1, wherein each dividing member includes twodividing member engagement sections disposed at either side of thedividing member, and the base member includes two base member engagementsections disposed at either side of the base member for engaging eachdividing member, and wherein the dividing member engagement sections ofa given dividing member are adapted to engage with base memberengagement sections which are oppositely facing, such that the dividingmember is detachably attached to the base member.
 4. A file storagedevice according to claim 3, wherein the dividing member engagementsections are outwardly protruding from the dividing member and the basemember engagement sections are inwardly facing towards a center of thebase member.
 5. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein thedividing member engagement sections are inwardly protruding to a centerof the dividing member and the base member engagement sections areoutwardly facing from the base member.
 6. A file storage deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein the dividing member engagement sectionsare offset from a plane of the dividing member, such that the dividingmember, when detachably attached to the base member, providessubstantial resistance to a force directed substantially towards theplane.
 7. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein eachdividing member engagement section includes a substantially “V”-shapedprotrusion and each base member engagement section is formed as anelongate slot, such that the dividing member engagement section isengaged with the base member engagement section by inserting thesubstantially “V”-shaped protrusion into the elongate slot of the basemember engagement section.
 8. A file storage device according to claim3, wherein each dividing member further includes a straight engagementprotrusion disposed at each side of the dividing member, and wherein thebase member further includes substantially round engagement apertures,such that the straight engagement protrusions engage with thesubstantially round engagement apertures and the straight engagementprotrusions form an axis about which the dividing member can be rotatedto and from the operating position and the substantially flat position.9. A file storage device according to claim 8, wherein each dividingmember engagement section includes a substantially “V”-shaped protrusionand each base member engagement section is formed as an elongate slot,such that the dividing member engagement section is engaged with thebase member engagement section by inserting the substantially “V”-shapedprotrusion into the elongate slot of the base member engagement section,and wherein the straight engagement protrusion is formed with eachdividing member engagement section, such that the dividing memberengagement section is substantially “N”-shaped, and wherein each basemember engagement section includes a substantially round engagementaperture for engaging the straight engagement protrusion.
 10. A filestorage device according to claim 9, wherein each of the straightengagement protrusions protrude further than the substantially“V”-shaped protrusions, such that each straight engagement protrusion,disposed on either side of each dividing member, is adapted to beengaged with a substantially round engagement aperture when eachsubstantially “V”-shaped protrusion, disposed on either side of eachdividing member, is disengaged from an elongate engagement slot.
 11. Afile storage device according to claim 1, wherein each dividing memberis formed from a single length of resiliently flexible wire-likematerial.
 12. A file storage device according to claim 11, wherein thewire-like material includes two pairs of bends, such that each of thepairs of bends forms a shoulder disposed on either side of a differentone of the plurality of dividing members.
 13. A file storage deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of dividing membersincludes two gripping sections each disposed on a side of the dividingmember.
 14. A file storage device according to claim 13, wherein thegripping sections are adapted to be gripped each by an opposing digit.15. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the base memberfurther includes side rails adapted to support outer edge sections of afile stored by the file storage device.
 16. A file storage deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein the base member further includes siderails adapted to support outer edge sections of a file stored by thefile storage device, and wherein the base member engagement sections aredisposed along the side rails.
 17. A file storage device according toclaim 10, wherein the base member further includes side rails adapted tosupport outer edge sections of a file stored by the file storage device,wherein the base member engagement sections are disposed along the siderails, and wherein, when the substantially “V”-shaped protrusion isdisengaged from an elongate engagement slot and the straight engagementprotrusion is engaged with a substantially round engagement aperture,and when each of the plurality of dividing members is being rotated toan operating position from a substantially flat position, thesubstantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section thereof isconfigured such that the substantially “V”-shaped protrusion contactsthe side rail and is forced inwardly with respect to the side rail. 18.A file storage device according to claim 17, wherein each of theplurality of dividing members is configured such that, when thesubstantially “V”-shaped protrusion is forced inwardly with respect tothe side rail, the dividing member provides an outward bias with respectto the side rail such that, when the substantially “V”-shaped protrusionis located over the elongate engagement slot, the substantially“V”-shaped protrusion is biased to engage with the elongate engagementslot.
 19. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the basemember further includes a center rail adapted to support a central edgesection of a file stored by the file storage device.
 20. (canceled)